Before you drive to Mt. Baker: live WSDOT Mt. Baker Highway conditions, weather alerts, when the lots fill, and the overnight parking rules.
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Mt. Baker parking rules (full text)
- Reservations
- None for day parking. 'Baker has traditionally had neither' reservations nor fees, but 'we reserve the right to respond to evolving circumstances.'
- Fee
- None (traditionally free).
- Lots
- Two base areas: White Salmon (SR-542 milepost 52) and Heather Meadows (milepost 55). Limited parking; check daily Parking Status (open / approaching full / full) before and during your trip.
- Carpool
- Encouraged (no formal carpool rules).
- Overnight
- Reservations required for ALL overnight vehicles (incl. unattended) at Heather Meadows and White Salmon lots via RoverPass. Occupied: arrive 5–10 pm, leave by 4:30 pm, max 7 nights. Unoccupied (backcountry, 'RV STORAGE SITES'): check-in/out 7:00 am, max 2 nights, no sleeping in vehicle. White Salmon gate open 7am–10pm; Heather Meadows usually 24/7. Extra vehicles $10.
- RVs
- Self-contained only, no hookups; one trailer + tow vehicle or one RV/camper per site. Quiet hours 9pm–6am, no generators; pack out garbage (no dumpsters).
- Peak times
- Busiest Sat/Sun/holidays ~8:30–11:30 AM; best odds arriving right after lots open (~8:00 AM) or after 12:00 PM; half-day ticket from 12:30 PM.
Source: Parking & Travel Tips — Mt. Baker Ski Area. Always follow the resort’s posted rules.
Getting there
Typical drive: 1 hr 15 from Bellingham, 2 hr 30 from Seattle. Check the Road and Chains lights before you leave.